Jill’s vision is to redefine how local government works.

Local government should be open and efficient, giving citizens confidence that the issues facing their community are being solved.

Jill believes we deserve better than the slow, disorganized services typical of most county and municipal departments. By working across party lines with local leaders, Jill has created one of the most responsive and transparent offices in the state.

How would you balance working with other parts of county government while providing oversight?

As the Chief Fiscal Officer of Athens County, I am uniquely positioned to oversee money coming in and going out. Each transaction is monitored and reviewed for compliance, proper supporting documentation and public purpose. It is my duty to partner with every part of county government as their fiscal agent.

As the only Republican in a partisan office, I do not buckle to political pressures or show favoritism. My loyalty is to good government, transparency and the Citizens of Athens.

My record is proven and my experience reflects a high standard of accountability while balancing a cooperative spirit and the ability to provide meaningful data, analysis and advice so county government officials can make more informed and timely decisions.

How will you work to make county finances more transparent to residents?

Transparency only exists outside of one-party rule and political strong-arming. Private meetings, winks and handshakes do not result in transparency, but rather public corruption, poor management and less accountability.

In the 22 years I’ve served as County Auditor, I have repeatedly exposed corruption and abuse. Under my watch the office upgraded to an integrated financial software application that ensures accountability, helps officials make informed decisions and increased financial transparency.

Additionally, we operated seamlessly during the pandemic. Our office also launched the Ohio Checkbook to allow residents access to the county checkbook online from the comfort of their own home.

Transparency exists because of my leadership.

The Auditor’s office has a wide variety of duties. Which will be most difficult for you and how will you approach that challenge?

In a 12/7/21 article in the Scioto Valley Guardian titled “Facts are Real” Editor-in-Chief Derek Myers best communicated my most difficult challenge when he stated “…working with someone who doesn’t want to work with you has to be like trying to contain a feral cat in a burlap bag.”

The Auditor’s office continues to receive numerous awards and recognitions. It has been an honor to have been chosen to lead three statewide organizations. A strong and responsive network allows for increased efficiencies and continued effectiveness.

Showing up for work every single day, keeping the citizens of Athens at the top of the organizational chart and understanding what it means to be a kind, humble public servant will continue to be my top priority.